NCD-Peru - Understanding NCDs in the Peruvian Andes: Epidemiology, Perceptions and Health System

By the end of the 20th century Peru entered in to an epidemic transition with mortality rates of infectious and maternal diseases declining and NCD’s emerging, changing national public health profile and actions significantly. NCD’s account for the majority of deaths in contemporary Peru. National strategies for control and prevention of NCD’s have been settled, however progress to meet national objectives has been slow. Good data on NCD epidemiology, systematic surveillance, structured primary care services, drugs availability policies and insurance situation need to be improved.

The overall aim of this study is to understand the epidemiology of NCD’s in the rural high altitude setting and contribute to health system strengthening in implementing the new Peruvian NCD control policy. We focus on the understanding of patient side perception, demand, and behaviour with regard to diabetes and hypertension and health service provision at the peripheral health system.

We will conduct basic household surveys to assess household burden of disease and risk factors of NCD’s. Participants will undergo a physical evaluation for screening for hypertension and diabetes; in addition biological samples will be collected for future longitudinal biomarker research. Finally, we will perform qualitative assessment of disease and illness perception and service provision and treatment of NCD’s among patient, non-patients and health care providers.

This project will provide important information to understand the health system with regard to NCD control and prevention for rural high altitude populations in the Andes.

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